Russell Simmons

Rap Beef: Russell Simmons Compares Hip-Hop’s Current State To Biggie Smalls Vs. Tupac

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Even from his luxury retreat in Bali, Russell Simmons is keeping up with the latest unfolding in the music industry. Though he spends most of his time focusing on mental wellness and meditation these days, on Monday (April 15), the executive posted a video on Instagram with some thoughts on all the drama unfolding around us recently. In his post, Simmons reflected on the infamous East vs. West Coast beef that led to the deaths of Tupac Shakur and Biggie Smalls. He compares it to modern situations, including global wars that are far beyond the problems of the entertainment world.

“I walked Biggie to his car and I felt, that night, his death,” Simmons shared. “I must have been involved in saving the lives of God knows how many rappers. I’ve solved so many rap beefs behind the scenes,” he added. After walking Smalls to his car, the 66-year-old headed home where he got a call from a leading member of the Crips gang.

Read More: Drake’s Rap Beefs Stem From Alleged Co-ownership Of Gamma Music, Joe Budden Says

Russell Simmons Shares Thoughts on Hip-Hop Feuds Past and Present From Bali

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Russell Simmons/Gdas (@unclerush)

“Mike Concepcion called me and told me [Biggie] had been killed. The next day, I called and we set up a meeting at Mr. Farrakhan’s house. We had a meeting where East and West came together. It kind of stopped the war,” Simmons told his followers. “But it was a big deal because people were dying. Biggie and Tupac were dead. Rap beef escalated to that. We had a meeting and I felt, that night, his death.”

While her dad uses his IG platform to reflect on his role in the music industry, Aoki Lee Simmons has also been expressing herself online. The 21-year-old was under a lot of scrutiny for vacationing with a man over four decades older than her recently, and while she looked happy in his company on the beach, their fling ended almost as quickly as the world found out about it. Read what Russell Simmons’ daughter said about the situation at the link below, and check back in with HNHH later for more hip-hop/pop culture news updates.

Read More: Aoki Lee Simmons’ Instagram Gets Reflective After Vittorio Assaf Fling Ends

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The post Rap Beef: Russell Simmons Compares Hip-Hop’s Current State To Biggie Smalls Vs. Tupac appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Aoki Lee Simmons’s Relationship with 65-Year-Old Vittorio Assaf is Over

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Aoki Lee Simmons's Relationship with 65-Year-Old Vittorio Assaf is Over

The relationship between 21-year-old Aoki Lee Simmons and 65-year-old Vittorio Assaf is over. According to Page Six, Kimora Lee Simmons was livid about her daughter’s relationship, which is now over and referred to as a “fling.”

“It’s 100% done. They’re absolutely not dating,” an insider revealed. Aoki is quoted as saying, “Of course, I’m not with him. I was never with him,” despite images of them kissing in St. Barts.

Images of Russell Simmons’ daughter, 21-year-old Aoki, have hit the Internet, showing her enjoying a vacation with her 65-year-old boyfriend.

Seeing the images of Aoki and the man, Vittorio Assaf, founder of Serafina Restaurant Group, Simmons said he would “not kick and scream about her choices.”

Simmons added about the couple currently vacationing in St. Barts, “All I can do is offer my advice and unconditional love.”

You can see the images of Aoki and her bae below.

The post Aoki Lee Simmons’s Relationship with 65-Year-Old Vittorio Assaf is Over first appeared on The Source.

The post Aoki Lee Simmons’s Relationship with 65-Year-Old Vittorio Assaf is Over appeared first on The Source.

Russell Simmons Says He Will Not ‘Kick and Scream’ About 21-Year-Old Daughter Dating a 65-Year-Old Man

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Russell Simmons' Anonymous Rape Accusers Loses Lawsuit Because Claims Fell Outside The Statute of Limitations

Images of Russell Simmons’ daughter, 21-year-old Aoki, have hit the Internet, showing her enjoying a vacation with her 65-year-old boyfriend.

Seeing the images of Aoki and the man, Vittorio Assaf, founder of Serafina Restaurant Group, Simmons said he would “not kick and scream about her choices.”

Simmons added about the couple currently vacationing in St. Barts, “All I can do is offer my advice and unconditional love.”

You can see the images of Aoki and her bae below.

Russell Simmons was officially served a lawsuit. While hiding out at a Bali resort, Simmons received a lawsuit from Drew Dixon, accusing him of defamation.

Dixon is suing Simmons after he called her a “liar” and stated her accusations of sexual assault were an attempt for fame. The comments from the Def Jam mogul are said to have damaged Dixon’s professional career.

According to AllHipHop, Simmons received the lawsuit from a process server named Daniel John Ayoub at 12:30 local time. Ayoub bypassed security by stating he was interested in the resort, hanging out for an hour, and spotting Simmons at a restaurant.

“I recognized him as the person named in the service papers as Russell Simmons is a well-known celebrity and widely known in Bali, Indonesia as well as in the United States and other places,” Ayoub said.

Once Simmons was seated, Ayoub stated he approached: “I said ‘Excuse me, Mr. Simmons, sorry to interrupt your meeting.’ I then handed Simmons the service documents in an envelope and said, ‘This is for you.”

After alerting Simmons that he was being served from the state of New York, Ayoub recalls Simmons dropping the paperwork and responding, “Ah f—. s—!”

Simmons would later wonder how Ayoub got through security and could enter the resort.

In February, Russell Simmons was the subject of another rape allegation from a former Def Jam employee. The Jane Doe states Simmons also obstructed her career from advancing.

The lawsuit was filed in New York City federal court under New York’s Adult Survivors Act, revealing the woman worked for Simmons as an executive and video producer.

Doe’s relationship with Simmons was professional and turned violent, impacting her “financial viability.”

The unidentified woman states Simmons invited her to his home music video work, leading to a “playful” attempt of wrestling turned aggressive behavior and rape. The document reads, “Ms Doe repeatedly told Mr Simmons to get off of her, but he refused.”

Following the incident, the woman stated Simmons would intimidate her in the office when he visited her desk, eventually leading her to have panic attacks. The woman is seeking monetary damages as a result of a trial.

The post Russell Simmons Says He Will Not ‘Kick and Scream’ About 21-Year-Old Daughter Dating a 65-Year-Old Man first appeared on The Source.

The post Russell Simmons Says He Will Not ‘Kick and Scream’ About 21-Year-Old Daughter Dating a 65-Year-Old Man appeared first on The Source.

Russell Simmons Unphased By Shocking Age Gap In Daughter’s Relationship

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Russell Simmons isn’t phased that his 21-year-old daughter, Aoki Lee Simmons, is dating 65-year-old restaurateur Vittorio Assaf. Speaking to TMZ about the age gap in their relationship, Russell revealed that Aoki gave him a heads-up about the situation. He remarked: “I’m not gonna kick and scream about her choices. All I can do is offer my advice and unconditional love.”

Prior to the conversation with TMZ, Russell appeared to comment on the situation with a post on Instagram for his daughter. “Love you always im always waiting for any call any time,” he wrote in part. Paparazzi spotted Aoki and Assaf engaged in some passionate PDA in St. Barts, last week.

Read More: Russell Simmons’ Daughter Aoki Threatens To Get A Sugar Daddy If He Doesn’t Raise Her Allowance In Resurfaced Clip

Russell Simmons & Aoki Pose Together In New York City

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 19: Russell Simmons and Aoki Lee Simmons attend Champ Medici And Fam Lounge at Marquee on June 19, 2022, in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)

Despite the support from Russell, fans on social media are not happy about the relationship. In the comments of the Def Jam co-founder’s aforementioned post, one user wrote: “Russell! You over there being zen, stretching, and meditating. Meanwhile, your daughter is letting some man older than you get at her! Get back to your black daddy roots and let that old man know ‘not with your daughter.’ Cmon now. You ain’t always been hollyweird. Wake up. Get yo child.” Others did come to his defense. “How bout everyone mind their business and let ppl heal on their time. Don’t none of yall know the pressure of having to raise a child in the spotlight, all while being condemned,” one fan said. It’s unclear how the couple met but they seem to be hitting it off despite the backlash.

Russell Simmons Shares Post For His Daughter

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Russell Simmons/Gdas (@unclerush)

Check out the post that Russell made for his daughter above. Be on the lookout for further updates on Russell Simmons on HotNewHipHop.

Read More: Aoki Lee Simmons Addresses Romantic “Baecation” With 65-Year-Old Man

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The post Russell Simmons Unphased By Shocking Age Gap In Daughter’s Relationship appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Aoki Lee Simmons Net Worth 2024: What Is The Daughter Of Russell Simmons & Kimora Lee Worth?

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Aoki Lee Simmons is the daughter of fashion mogul Kimora Lee Simmons and music entrepreneur Russell Simmons. She has carved out her niche in the worlds of fashion and business. As of 2024, Aoki Lee Simmons’ net worth is estimated at $55 million, according to AfroTech. This substantial figure reflects her inheritance, family connections, entrepreneurial endeavors, and modeling career. Aoki’s early start in the fashion industry and her education and personal initiatives demonstrate her commitment to building a personal brand and business acumen distinct from her family’s legacy.

Fashion & Modeling Beginnings

Aoki Lee Simmons
NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 07: (L-R) Kimora Lee, Ming Lee, Aoki Lee and Russell Simmons are seen around. Lincoln Center during Spring 2013 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week on September 7, 2012, also in New York City. (Photo by Gilbert Carrasquillo/FilmMagic)

Aoki Lee Simmons began her journey in the spotlight at a young age, modeling for Baby Phat, the clothing brand launched by her mother. Her early exposure to the fashion industry provided a solid foundation for her understanding of the business, which has been instrumental in her later endeavors. Aoki has not only modeled but has also been involved in aspects of fashion design and marketing, leveraging her family’s brand while adding her unique touch to projects she is involved with.

Educational Pursuits & Business Ventures

Aoki Lee Simmons
MIAMI, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 08: (L-R) Aoki Lee Simmons and Ming Lee Simmons attend. Y2K Core Presented by Android at Wynwood Studio on December 08, 2023, also in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Android)

Aoki Lee Simmons has prioritized education, attending prestigious institutions and focusing on areas that complement her career in fashion and entrepreneurship. Her academic achievements have equipped her with the skills to manage and expand her business ventures. Aoki’s involvement in various aspects of the fashion industry, from design to sustainability efforts, showcases her dedication to positively impacting the industry.

Personal Brand & Media Presence

Aoki Lee Simmons
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 11: Aoki Lee Simmons and Antonia Gentry attend the Nasdaq Day Of The Girl. 2023 market opening bell at the NASDAQ MarketSite on October 11, 2023, also in New York City. (Photo by John Nacion/Getty Images)

Further, Aoki Lee Simmons has built a strong personal brand. She utilizes social media and other platforms to engage with a global audience. Her presence on these platforms has allowed her to directly promote her projects and initiatives to followers. It also enhances her marketability and influence. This strategy has bolstered her brand and opened up new avenues for revenue through endorsements and collaborations.

Aoki Lee Simmons’s net worth shows her successful integration of fashion expertise, business savvy, and a strong personal brand. Her ability to navigate the complexities of the fashion world positions her as a powerful influence in the business and fashion sectors. Her ongoing projects and entrepreneurial spirit suggest that her impact and success will continue to grow in the coming years.

The post Aoki Lee Simmons Net Worth 2024: What Is The Daughter Of Russell Simmons & Kimora Lee Worth? appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Process Server Infiltrates Bali Resort to Serve Russell Simmons a Lawsuit

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Russell Simmons' Anonymous Rape Accusers Loses Lawsuit Because Claims Fell Outside The Statute of Limitations

Russell Simmons was officially served a lawsuit. While hiding out at a Bali resort, Simmons received a lawsuit from Drew Dixon, accusing him of defamation.

Dixon is suing Simmons after he called her a “liar” and stated her accusations of sexual assault were an attempt for fame. The comments from the Def Jam mogul are said to have damaged Dixon’s professional career.

According to AllHipHop, Simmons received the lawsuit from a process server named Daniel John Ayoub at 12:30 local time. Ayoub bypassed security by stating he was interested in the resort, hanging out for an hour, and spotting Simmons at a restaurant.

“I recognized him as the person named in the service papers as Russell Simmons is a well-known celebrity and widely known in Bali, Indonesia as well as in the United States and other places,” Ayoub said.

Once Simmons was seated, Ayoub stated he approached: “I said ‘Excuse me, Mr. Simmons, sorry to interrupt your meeting.’ I then handed Simmons the service documents in an envelope and said, ‘This is for you.”

After alerting Simmons that he was being served from the state of New York, Ayoub recalls Simmons dropping the paperwork and responding, “Ah f—. s—!”

Simmons would later wonder how Ayoub got through security and could enter the resort.

In February, Russell Simmons was the subject of another rape allegation from a former Def Jam employee. The Jane Doe states Simmons also obstructed her career from advancing.

The lawsuit was filed in New York City federal court under New York’s Adult Survivors Act, revealing the woman worked for Simmons as an executive and video producer.

Doe’s relationship with Simmons was professional and turned violent, impacting her “financial viability.”

The unidentified woman states Simmons invited her to his home music video work, leading to a “playful” attempt of wrestling turned aggressive behavior and rape. The document reads, “Ms Doe repeatedly told Mr Simmons to get off of her, but he refused.”

Following the incident, the woman stated Simmons would intimidate her in the office when he visited her desk, eventually leading her to have panic attacks. The woman is seeking monetary damages as a result of a trial.

The post Process Server Infiltrates Bali Resort to Serve Russell Simmons a Lawsuit first appeared on The Source.

The post Process Server Infiltrates Bali Resort to Serve Russell Simmons a Lawsuit appeared first on The Source.

Russell Simmons Receives Lawsuit From Server In Bali, Reportedly Expresses Shock

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The various accusations of sexual assault against Russell Simmons have seemingly followed him all the way to Bali, where he currently resides. Moreover, AllHipHop reports that process server Daniel John Ayoub handed him a lawsuit from fellow former music executive Drew Dixon for defamation concerning his staunch dismissal of her sexual assault claims against him. The story goes that, on March 5, Ayoub went to the Gdas Bali Health And Wellness Resort, which Simmons owns, to serve him with the filing at around 12:30PM local time. After passing two security checkpoints, he searched for him for an hour before finally spotting him.

“I recognized him as the person named in the service papers as Russell Simmons,” Ayoub reportedly expressed. “[He’s] a well-known celebrity and widely known in Bali, Indonesia as well as in the United States and other places.” Simmons had sat with some associates by the time the server approached him. “I said ‘Excuse me, Mr. Simmons, sorry to interrupt your meeting,’” he reportedly claimed. “I then handed Simmons the service documents in an envelope and said, ‘This is for you.’” According to reports, the Queens native expressed shock at the move, and made some calls to his security staff and other unknown contacts.

Read More: Usher & Russell Simmons Comments Bring Backlash For Latter’s Ex, Kimora Lee

Russell Simmons At City of Hope’s 2023 Spirit of Life Gala

Russell Simmons Lawsuit Bali Served Hip Hop News
US entrepreneur and writer Russell Simmons attends City of Hope’s 2023 Spirit of Life Gala at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood, California, October 18, 2023. (Photo by VALERIE MACON / AFP) (Photo by VALERIE MACON/AFP via Getty Images)

For those unaware, this case began when Russell Simmons vehemently denied Drew Dixon’s accusations of sexual assault against him. He called her a “liar” and insinuated that the people accusing him of this behavior simply want the fame and money that such a high-profile case brings. Dixon then sued for defamation, as she claims these comments negatively impacted her professional and personal life in a massive way. She seeks compensatory and punitive damages, and this is a separate case to another related to sexual assault from another former Def Jam executive.

Meanwhile, Dixon also accused music executive L.A. Reid of similar abhorrent behavior, who has also denied any and all claims. According to court documented reportedly obtained by AllHipHop, both legal teams are considering settlements in their respective cases. But it’s unclear what the future will hold in terms of proper evaluation of evidence, accountability, and industry change. For more news and the latest updates on Russell Simmons, check back in with HNHH.

Read More: Joe Budden Defends Russell Simmons As “Kind, Gentle, & Sweet” Amid Sexual Misconduct Allegations

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Today in Hip-Hop History: Run-D.M.C.’s Self Titled Debut Album Turns 40 Years Old!

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On this date in 1984, the Kings from Queens released their first self-titled album on Def Jam Recordings under Rush Management.

This monumental album put Daryl McDaniels (DMC), Joseph Simmons (DJ Run), and Jason Mizell (Jam Master Jay) on the map, and launched one of the most successful careers Hip-Hop has ever seen.

With songs like “Sucker MCs,” “It’s Like That,” “Hard Times” and “Rock Box,” the record was an accurate reflection of the lives of three ambitious kids from Hollis, Queens in New York City in a time before the crack epidemic.

Simmons and McDaniels used to hang around Two-Fifths Park in Hollis in late 1980, hoping to rap for the local DJs who performed and competed there. The most popular one just happened to be Mizell, then known as “Jazzy Jase” because of his flashy wardrobe and b-boy attitude. Eventually, Simmons and McDaniels rapped in front of Mizell at the park, and the rest is history.

As a group, they soon strapped on a pair of Adidas, threw on a rope chain and topped it off with a Kangol hat. Little did they know, they were crafting a signature style, one that has stood the test of time and is widely recognized around the world.

Run-D.M.C. went on to release six more albums, including 1985’s King of Rock and 1986’s Raising Hell. Tragically, Mizell was gunned down on October 30, 2002, at his recording studio in Queens. Countless fans left Adidas sneakers, albums and flowers for the legendary DJ outside of the studio, where the murder occurred. The homicide has yet to be solved.

Run-D.M.C. was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2009, making them one of only two Hip Hop acts given that honor at the time.

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The post Today in Hip-Hop History: Run-D.M.C.’s Self Titled Debut Album Turns 40 Years Old! first appeared on The Source.

The post Today in Hip-Hop History: Run-D.M.C.’s Self Titled Debut Album Turns 40 Years Old! appeared first on The Source.

Usher & Russell Simmons Comments Bring Backlash For Latter’s Ex, Kimora Lee

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Usher walked into 2024 feeling more confident than ever ahead of his iconic Super Bowl Halftime show, but this year hasn’t been all roses and rainbows for the R&B crooner. He did tie the knot to his long-time lover and remind us all how awesome his discography is over the past few weeks, but at the same time, Usher’s been catching strays regarding his sexuality for some time now. Discourse previously heated up amid Keke Palmer’s feud with her baby daddy, Darius Jackson, at which time the actress’ mother stated that her daughter wasn’t flirting with the “Yeah!” hitmaker as he was a member of the LGBTQ+ community.

Usher himself didn’t address this gossip, but now that Kimora Lee Simmons seems to be insinuating that he and her ex-husband, Russell, might’ve been intimate, people are putting the Baby Phat creator on blast. After Rus shared a heartfelt message thanking the Texas native for supporting him during a low moment, KL was among those adding fuel to the fire in the comments. “Not ‘by my bed!!’ Lolol 😂😂,” she wrote on her story after seeing her co-parent’s post. “What is this I’m seeing in the news today?? Lol, y’all some wild boys frfr 🫣.”

Read More: Russell Simmons Thanks Usher For Paying Him A Visit, Fans Go Wild With Theories

Kimora Lee Seemingly Shades Usher & Russell Simmons on IG

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by The Shade Room (@theshaderoom)

So far, most IG users aren’t taking kindly to the model’s antics. “Slandering an unhealed person’s NAME while you keep their last name as your NAME is quite insidious,” one Instagram user chastised Kimora Lee under @theshaderoom’s post. “If I was her I’d keep real quiet when her husband Tim robbed $93,000,000 from Malaysian banks and faces 25 years in jail,” another called out the fashion icon’s new romantic partner.

Read More: Russell Simmons Accuses Kimora Lee Of Stealing From Him To Bail Out New Husband

Social Media Reacts

Countless others have been rushing to Usher’s defense amid the drama. “This was unnecessary, and this is one of the reasons Black men don’t speak up. Regardless of their situation, he was acknowledging Usher as a friend/brother at one of his lowest points. #MentalHealthAwareness BLACK MEN’S MENTAL HEALTH IS EQUALLY AS IMPORTANT!” Keep scrolling to read more responses to KL’s shade, and check back in with HNHH later to catch up on music/pop culture news.

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The post Usher & Russell Simmons Comments Bring Backlash For Latter’s Ex, Kimora Lee appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Joe Budden Defends Russell Simmons As “Kind, Gentle, & Sweet” Amid Sexual Misconduct Allegations

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Joe Budden has come to the defense of Russell Simmons after over a dozen women have come forward with allegations of sexual misconduct against him. The conversation arose while Budden was discussing Def Jam co-founder linking up with Usher in Bali. After Simmons shared the picture of himself with Usher, fans on social media condemned the iconic singer for being affiliated with him.

“They love Russell Simmons,” Joe Budden said on his podcast. “I know y’all don’t want to say it, y’all don’t want to admit to it. I know people seen whatever doc they seen, people believe what they believe. There’s nothing y’all can do to make people stop loving Russell Simmons. Not a thing in the world. Not a thing in the universe is going to make people stop loving Russell Simmons for as many lives as he impacted.”

Read More: Russell Simmons Thanks Usher For Paying Him A Visit, Fans Go Wild With Theories

Russell Simmons Attends City Of Hope Spirit Of Life Gala

WEST HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 18: Russell Simmons attends the 2023 City Of Hope Spirit Of Life Gala at Pacific Design Center on October 18, 2023 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

He continued to say that Simmons “has been nothing but kind, gentle, sweet, generous and amazing if you don’t have that horror story.” He added: “As somebody that has spent a lot of time in the music business, nobody speaks to the side where the women were auctioning their p*ssy to move up in the ranks of the system. This existed way before I got to town. But that was happening too. But nobody says that part. Again, I’m not speaking about Russell Simmons, I’m just talking blanket, broad.” Check out the full podcast episode below.

Joe Budden Speaks On Russell Simmons

Simmons stepped down from his role at Def Jam back in 2017 amid the early allegations. Be on the lookout for further updates on Joe Budden on HotNewHipHop.

Read More: Suge Knight Accuses Russell Simmons & Andre Harrell Of Having An Affair

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